Let not despise them (μη καταφρονειτωσαν). Negative imperative active third plural of καταφρονεω, to think down on. See 4:12. He m…

And they that have believing masters. This refers to masters who are Christians. It is clear from this that Paul supposed that, at that ti…

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren.—This situation, being in serv…

Not all Christian slaves had “believing masters.” But those who did were not “to show less respect [GK 2969] for them.” Instead, they were to serve…

Who have believing masters The name of brother might be thought to establish equality and consequently to take away dominion. Pau…

Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge or Christian privileges gave them any right to despise unbelieving masters, or to disobey l…

1. Above, the Apostle instructed Timothy on the use of foods and on the people to whom the Church allows subsidies. Here he addre es other p…